Christopher Nkunku is ‘happy’ to join Chelsea next summer after agreeing a pre-contract with Graham Potter’s side, according to reports.
After undergoing a ‘secret medical’ in the summer prior to the window closing, Nkunku has now appeared to pledge his long-term future to Chelsea.
Despite penning a two-year contract extension at RB Leipzig until 2026 back in June, an agreement to protect his value, Chelsea have swooped in early to acquire his signature.
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As reported by The Athletic, Chelsea have agreed to pay in excess of his €60 million release clause and Nkunku has penned a pre-contract agreement.
His release clause will become active next summer which would have created a transfer battle, that has in reality already started.
But Chelsea appear to have won the race by being proactive to avoid losing out on another transfer target, the story of their 2022 summer window, to their rivals.
Chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly has moved swiftly with another huge piece of investment into the side, and Nkunku has been left flattered by all of the interest shown, which saw Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and other clubs monitor his situation.
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“It’s no secret there are clubs that are interested in me,” the France international Telefoot in June.
“Yes, it’s flattering. But it’s also flattering to have a club like Leipzig doing everything to keep me.
“Here, we will have to think carefully and make a good decision. The World Cup is coming to life and this is a parameter to be taken into account.
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“Like I said, you just have to think it through.”
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Fabrizio Romano also claims that the contract Chelsea proposed the 21-year-old left Nkunku happy, adding prior to a deal being agreed: “Chelsea have sent a proposal to the player, which he’s happy with.”
Meanwhile, head coach Graham Potter refused to comment on any speculation, saying: “My answer to that type of stuff is unless it’s a player for us, I don’t really speak about other players, So, no comment.”
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But Chelsea have nearly got their man, the wait will just have to continue until the end of the season before they can finalise a deal and confirm their new arrival.
Topics: Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea, Premier League, Football
Matthew Debono